How to Optimize Your EV Charging

If you’re spending the day driving, whether you’re taking a long trip, or simply running multiple different errands throughout the day, it’s a good idea to keep your battery charged between 20-80%. Your car will charge most efficiently within this range, helping you keep your charging time down as you navigate your busy routine. Plus, driving on a very low battery can cause excess strain on your EV. Similarly, charging your battery to 100% every single time can cause it to wear out faster, and make it harder for your vehicle to hold a charge. If you know you’ll be out and about for the day, try to keep your battery levels within that middle range.

If you’re interested in cutting down on your charging times as much as possible, then you’ll want to make sure your car can focus solely on charging the battery while it’s plugged in. One great way to achieve this is to turn off any extra features that might be running while the car is plugged in. This might include the interior or exterior lighting, radio, heat or air conditioning, or even the windshield wipers. EVs use the battery’s power to run all of these various features, so using them while the car is plugged in will divert some of the power away from charging the battery. To help your car charge faster, turn off those extra features while the car is plugged in.

As you may already know, there are a few different types of EV charging stations. The level of the charger determines the voltage, and how fast it will charge your battery. In general, Level 3 stations are fast-charging stations, which use higher voltage to charge your vehicle more quickly. These charging stations can be a huge help when you’re in a pinch, as they help you cut down on charging time when you need it most. However, it’s important to use these charging stations sparingly, and try to only fast-charge your vehicle when you really need it. While it may be convenient, fast-charging causes more strain on your EV battery, and it will eventually cause excess wear and tear if you overuse these charging stations.

One of the biggest factors when it comes to your EV battery’s health is the temperature! When it’s very hot out, it can cause your battery to overheat more easily. If it’s too cold, then the battery will take longer to charge, as it will first have to expend energy regulating its own temperature. For best results, try to keep your EV at a mild temperature. You can achieve this by keeping your vehicle parked in a garage, or under the shade of a tree in hot temperatures. When it’s cold out, try to keep the snow and ice off of your car as much as possible, and take a moment to warm up your vehicle before attempting to charge. These habits will help you care for your EV battery so that it stays in good condition for as long as possible.

Are you interested in getting behind the wheel of your very own EV or PHEV? If so, then you need to visit us here at Hillview Motors! We have a huge selection of all the latest inventory, right here at our dealership in Greensburg, Pennsylvania! You can check out our electrified inventory, including the Jeep Wrangler 4xe and Grand Cherokee 4xe, right here on our website. You can also find new EVs here at our showroom, where our friendly and knowledgeable sales team will be happy to set you up with a test drive of your favorite models. We’ll also help you order and install your very own home charging station, so that you can keep your EV charged and ready for action! Shop online, or get in touch with us today at Hillview Motors!